Main contributors, Barcelona’s vulnerabilities, and Arsenal’s heritage – Karen Carney and Fara Williams discuss the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

‘Incredibly hard to stop’ – Little ‘looking forward’ to solving puzzle of Barcelona in UWCL final

Arsenal are just one step away from European glory as they prepare to face reigning champions Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final on Saturday. After securing unforgettable comeback victories against Real Madrid and Lyon, The Gunners will need to produce one more win for the ages at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. Fans can catch all the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Arsenal remains the only English team to have tasted European success, having lifted the trophy back in 2007. Now, they have the chance to reclaim that glory with a victory over the Catalan giants, who are aiming for their third consecutive Champions League crown.

Before the match, TNT Sports pundits Karen Carney and Fara Williams discussed where Renee Slegers’ team can exploit Barcelona’s weaknesses and the significance of a potential win for the women’s game in England.

Reflecting on Arsenal’s journey to the final, Williams remarked, “When you look at those matches against Lyon and Real Madrid, it was an unbelievable turnaround. Those games would give them a lot of confidence to believe they can beat any team in the competition.” She praised Arsenal’s performance against Lyon, a team renowned for their success in the tournament, highlighting the significance of their victory in Lyon, where they defeated a side unbeaten at home for over two years.

Carney added, “It’s been an unbelievable journey. Arsenal have had their ups and downs, especially with former coach Jonas Eidevall leaving in October. I was confident they’d come back against Lyon and Real Madrid, and I can’t wait to watch two amazing teams go toe-to-toe in the final.”

When discussing the credit due to Renee Slegers, Carney noted, “Everyone was keeping eyes on Chelsea while Arsenal and Renee were going about their business in the background. She’s done a brilliant job, and they seem to be playing with more freedom.”

Williams pointed out that the final is a one-off game, unlike the double-legged ties of the past. “They have to start fast, be strong and not allow Barcelona to get a foothold in the game,” she cautioned, emphasizing the importance of Arsenal’s confidence from their comeback wins.

Carney highlighted Arsenal’s game management, praising players like Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson for their experience in crucial moments. “You’ll need to manage the crowd and the occasion,” she said, stressing the need for clever players in high-pressure situations.

As for Barcelona, Williams identified their midfield trio of Alexia Putellas, Patricia Guijarro, and Aitana Bonmati as key players. “Arsenal will need to keep an eye on those players because they stretch the opposition and create gaps for forwards like Ewa Pajor or Claudia Pina,” she explained.

Carney noted that Arsenal’s wide players will need to step up, as Barcelona has only lost three games this season. “The match-winners are going to be Russo, Caldentey, and Little, but everyone will need to perform,” she stated.

Both pundits agreed that Barcelona has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in transition and set pieces. Carney recalled a previous final where Lyon physically dominated Barcelona, suggesting that Arsenal could exploit similar weaknesses.

Williams added, “Work-rate off the ball is key for Arsenal. They’ll need to get in the faces of these Barca players because they won’t be used to it.”

As the final approaches, Carney shared her advice for the Arsenal squad, drawing from her own experience in the 2007 final. “You’ll need to fight. It’s not often you get to Champions League finals, and this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.

Williams echoed the sentiment, stating that an Arsenal victory would be monumental. “It would show that the English league is serious about competitiveness and that they have teams capable of winning on the big stage,” she remarked.

Carney concluded, “It would be incredible for the club, players, and fanbase, especially with the Euros coming up this summer. It would showcase that an English team has won the biggest prize and provide exposure before the tournament in Switzerland.”